RIO DE JANEIRO – The Duke men’s soccer team hit the pitch for the first time for a game against São Cristóvão F.R. The Blue Devils fell to the third division professional squad 4-0 with all four goals coming in the second half.

After a long first day in Rio filled with sightseeing, training and spending time out and about experiencing the World Cup, the Blue Devils took to the field against Ronaldo’s first club as a youth.

São Cristóvão attacked early with Slotnick making a few strong defensive efforts to keep the Brazilians off the scoreboard. Alex Sauciuc and Jonathan Aguirre came in midway through the half as the Blue Devils continued to fight for scoring chances.

Scoreless after the opening half, Duke brought in former goalkeeper Alex Long to play up front. Long drew a foul about 40 yards from goal to set up a set piece for Davis. The senior captain sent a ball into Slotnick who headed it just wide in the 63rd minute.

São Cristóvão, playing with its top players in the second half, capitalized 10 minutes into the period as Coulter tries to clear a ball out of danger. The club added a penalty kick and two more scores to earn the 4-0 win.

Slotnick and Donovan both had looks late in the game as they sailed their shots high and wide of the goal, respectively. São Cristóvão’s final goal came in the 90th minute as the heat and traveling obviously started taking a toll on the Blue Devils.

Duke will take in some more World Cup games today with Brazil and Mexico kicking action off at 12 p.m.